Magnetic racing game device



April 0, 5 R. L. ROBINS 2,548,495

MAGNETIC RACING GAME DEVICE Filed July 9, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTQR.

April 1951 R. 1.. ROBINS MAGNETIC RACING GAME DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 9, 1947 mm D mad E40 III/III JNVENTOR. W L,

Patented Apr. 10, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MAGNETIC RACING GAME DEVICE Russell L. Robins, Brooklyn, N. Y. Application July 9, 1947, Serial No. 759,824 3 Claims. (01. era-s6),

The present invention relates to amusement devices, such, for example, as games, toys and simulated sporting equipment. More particularly, the invention provides a game or toy in the nature of a miniature or simulated vehicle or ania result of practice by the participant. In these prior art games and toys, the element of chance is introduced by spinning counters, throwing dice, or by mechanisms depending on the action of rebound springs at the end of the race course, the retarding effect of friction on the objects, such as simulated vehicles engaged in the race, and other devices not in any way resembling the hazards of a real race.

In accordance with the present invention, a course is traversed by miniature vehicles, or the like. Each vehicle engaged in the contest operates over its own path defined by the design of the propulsion mechanism within the scope of the invention. The propulsion mechanism for each vehicle preferably causes it to traverse a path including 'a curved portion or portions. Each curved portion of the vehicle path constitutes a hazard. Other hazards are provided by attempts of a contestant to propel his vehicle at excessive speed or by failing to maintain a reasonable steady pace.

The major object of the invention, therefore, is to provide realistic sporting features, based on a players'skill, in a racing game or toy.

Another object is to provide game apparatus in which a simulated vehicle or animal. is propelled by concealed means of novel structure.

A further object is to provide, a novel game apparatus simulating a race track or race course having substantially parallel racing paths.

. A still further object is to provide hazards of play in a novel manner for a racing game or toy.

Still another object is to provide novel magnetic propulsion means for a miniature vehicle.

In addition to the foregoing objects of the invention, other and, perhaps, more specific objects will become apparent or suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which the invention is directed when the following specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a racing game embodying the invention, certain of the parts thereof being omitted for the sake of convenience of illustration;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the game of Fig. 1 with certain of parts in a different position and with vehicles embodying the invention in suitable form, the section being taken on line 22 of Figs. 1 and 3; I

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view in plan with parts in the position of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary View in section on line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken in plan on line 55 of Fig. 6 to show details of the lap counting mechanism appearing in Fig. '7;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section on line 6-6 of Fig.

Fig. 7 is a partial top plan view with parts removed of a portion of Fig. 1 to an enlarged scale showing the connection between certain parts of the mechanism appearing therein.

The invention will now be described in detail with continued reference to the illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings. Reference character l0 indicates the toy or miniature auto race, which is constructed in accordance with the invention. It is seen to comprise a tablelike member [2 providing a surface upon which the miniature vehicles I4 and 56 may operate. The member I2 may be made of any suitable non-magnetic material such as wood, a laminated material, or a plastic. As shown, illustratively, it covers the entire car propelling mechanism, but it may, if desired, have a total exposed area only large enough to provide trackways for the total number of vehicles employed. It will be understood in this connection that the device ll may be constructed as a simple toy for the small child having only one vehicle, toy animal or the like which moves in a closed regular or irregular path on the surface of the member l2, or its equivalent.

An enclosing wall member l8 surrounds the periphery of the member 12 and extends above its surface as indicated at 2D to provide a guard rail around the miniature race track provided by the surface of the member I2. The wall member l3 may be of any suitable material such as sheet metal or a plastic material. The lower part of the member l8 serves to conceal the propelling mechanism and thereby enhances the illusion of a race track.

Supporting legs 2| to 24 (three of which are unconcealed in Fig. I) serve to support the entire device 10 and also provide end connections for the intersecting frame members 26 and 21. As shown, these frame members may be mortised or notched at the place of intersection so that they lie in the same plane. It will be understood, of course, that they may lie one on top of the other at the center of the device, or each member may be in two pieces ending at a centrally located post-supporting bracket 29 (Fig. 2) to which they are secured. A second bracket 3| is secured to the underside of the member l2. A bearing post 33 is secured in any suitable manner, as by screw threaded connections 34, in the brackets 29 and 3|.

The framework just described for supporting the bearing post 33 including the legs 2| to 24 is substantially independent of the wall member l8. However, it will be understood that the frame members 26 and 21 or their equivalent in the structure may be carried from their outer ends solely by the wall member l8.

The mechanism for guiding and propelling the visible moving part or parts of the'game, such for example as the cars 4 and I6, will now be described. Beneath the table member |2there is secured a continuous rail member 4| which is substantially T-shaped in cross-section as best shown by Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The rail member 4| is secured to the under side of the member I2 in any suitable manner, but preferably by means which are invisible on the top running surface of the member I2. Countersunk screws, for example, with their heads concealed by plastic, may be employed for the purpose. The T-shaped section of the rail member 4| provides two continuously opposed recesses. A pair of shoes 43 and 44 slidably engage with opposite sides of the rail 4| and are guided thereby as they are moved by means later to be described. The shoe 43 is generally rectangular in cross-sectional outline and is recessed at 46 and 41. The recess 46 fits over the projecting flange of the track member 4|. The recess 41 receives a permanent bar magnet 48. Salient polar projections 49 are preferably provided. The shoe 44 is of similar construction, but it is reversed when it is placed in position against the opposite flange of the rail 4|. A bar magnet 58 seated in its corresponding recess of the shoe The mechanism for driving the shoe 44 will now be described. A gear is secured on a sleeve 52 which is rotatably received in nesting relationship on the bearing post 33. An arm 55 is provided with a slotted end 56 which is suitably secured upon the sleeve 52. The slotted end provides for adjustment of the effective length of the arm 55. From the parts of the propelling mechanism for the car |6 thus far described, it will be seen that as the gear 5| is rotated, the sleeve 52 and end of the arm 55 also will be rotated. An arm 58 is swingably pivoted at or adjacent the end of the arm 55 and its free end is pivoted to the shoe 44 by a pin or rivet 59, or its equivalent. The pivotal connection of the arm 58 with the arm 55 is provided by bifurcating or slitting the end of the arm 55 as indicated at 68. A pin, bolt or other bearing member 6| provides the hinge for the pivotal connection between the arms 55 and 58. An extensible spring 63 is. connected between the end of the extension 66- of the arm 58 and a point on the arm 55. The spring 63' maintains the shoe 44 in sliding engage ment with the track member 4| as the gear 5| is rotated. With the arrangement just described, while an oval track having two curved sections 4 and two straight sections is shown by way of example, it will be understood that other irregularities, in addition to the two curved sections, may be introduced into the course of the track member 4|. The arrangement just described will maintain the shoe 44 in continuous engagement with the track member 4|.

Rotary movement is imparted to the gear 5| from a crank handle 69 which is exposed outside of the member I8. This crank handle is connected to a shaft 7| and is provided with a worm 12, serving as a pinion, which is in mesh with the worm gear 5|. The shaft H is journaled in a bearing 74' in the member l8 and another bearing block or member 16 which is secured to the braces 26 and 21.

The shoe 43 is driven from a second worm gear 8| which is rotatably journaled in nested relationship on the sleeve 52. The enlarged slotted end 83 of a radially extending arm 84 is also rotatably journaled on the sleeve 52. The gear 8| and the end 83 of the arm are secured together by pins 85 so that the gear 8| will cause the arm 84 to swing about the sleeve 52 as it is turned. An arm 86 is pivotally connected to the arm 84 as'by a pin 88, and its free end is pivotally connected to the shoe 43 by a pin 89, for example; the end of the arm 84 is also bifurcated as indicated at 98. A tensile spring 9| is connected at a point on the arm 86 between the shoe 43 and the pivot 88. The other end of the spring is connected to the arm 84. The tension of the spring 9| holds the shoe 43 in engagement with the track 4|.

A crank handle 96 at the end of a shaft 98 is exposed outside of the member l8 for imparting movement to the shoe 43. The shaft 98 is provided with a worm-[0| which is in mesh with the worm wheel or gear 8|. Suitable bearings, for example a bearing I02 in the member l8 and a bearing I03 secured to the cross pieces 26 and 21 maintain alignment of the shaft 98.

While a worm drive has been shown for the arms 55 and 84, it will be understood that spur or helical gearing may be employed. to connect suitably exposed cranks, for example the cranks 69 and 96 to their respective arms.

In accordance with the invention, magnetic coupling is provided betweeneach shoe and the corresponding exposed vehicle to be moved there by. In the preferred arrangement shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings full advantage is taken of the extremely powerful small sized permanent magnets which are now available. Considering the shoe 43 and the corresponding outside car I4, the previously mentioned bar magnet 48 provides a flux path for the magnet or magnets carried by the car. Each car comprises a body formed of any suitable material, and in the illustrative arrangement this car is shown as simulating a racing vehicle such as a racing automobile. Four wheels I96 are shown for supporting each car. The magnetstructure for the car |4 comprises a bar I88 of magnetic material such as iron, steel or other ferrous metal to which are secured small powerful permanent magnets I09 and I. These margnets are preferably made of one of the newer permanent magnet alloys containing nickel. V 7

A similar arrangement is illustrated for the inside car I6 comprising a bar I I4 and magnets l6 and H8. These magnets are poled so that the magnet I89 presents a N (north) pole to the bar magnet 48 and the magnet presents a S (south) pole to the bar magnet. The end ||9 of the magnet 48 presents a S pole to the car. The polarity of the magnetic structure on the inside car 19 is reversed from this so that each car will be mountable only over its corresponding shoe. In the illustrative example the magnet i I6 presents a S pole to the bar magnet 59, and the magnet H3 presents a N pole to the bar magnet 50. The polarity of the bar magnet 50 is also reversed. In operation of the embodiment of the invention just described the two cars are placed so that the flux path for each, established through the magnetic member of the corresponding shoe, drives and holds the car in position. In the illustrative arrangement two contestants may play the race game, one turning the crank handle 99 and the other turning the crank handle 96. Several hazards are present in the play. For example, if either handle is turned too rapidly the magnetic attraction between the magnetic member on the shoe and the corresponding car will be broken. It will then be necessary to back up the shoe with the consequent loss of time in an effort to establish magnetic connection with the car. A loss of game points may be assigned to this fault in the play. Another hazard of the play is the negotiation of the turns. Entering as well as leaving a turn both constitute a hazard. The drive mechanism provides for an increase of speed when entering a straightaway portion of the course. It will be understood that variations in the direction of the course may be introduced in the manufacture of the game apparatus of the invention.

A lap counting mechanism I3I is shown, illustratively, for counting the laps around the course for each car; a register I32 counts the laps of the car I4 and a register I34 counts the laps of the car I6. These registers are operated by mechanical means in the illustrative arrangement, but it will be understood that magnetic means may be employed for the purpose. The mechanical means of the illustrative embodiment comprise rotatable rods I36 and I3! for the registers H32 and I34, respectively. Treadles I39 and MI for each rod project above the surface of the car supporting member 12. The passage of a car depresses its corresponding treadle.

Each register is in the form of a register wheel I45 having indicia in the form of successive digits I46. Each wheel I45 is provided with escapement teeth I48 having a cam slope I49 and an abrupt end I5I. The rod I36 carries an escapement operating device in the form of two arms I53 and I54. These arms carry pallets I56 and I51, respectively. Rocking of the shaft causes the correspondin wheel to be advance one digit for each oscillation of the shaft I35. The rod I31 carries the arms I6I and I62 which are reversed in position with respect to the position of the arms associated with the rod I36. lets IE6 and I6! are also reversed.

While a Well known type of escapement counter is shown by way of example for counting the laps executed by each car, it will be understood that other types of counters may be used. For example, a ratchet counter may be used, Mechanical devices for operating the counters upon passage of a car are preferred as they are responsive only to the passage of the respective car.

The invention claimed is:

1. Amusement apparatus comprising a tablelike member, a track secured beneath said table- The pallike member, shoes movable along said track, means for propelling each shoe comprising a pair of jointed arms, one pair for each shoe, means including a tension spring for each pair of arms for maintaining its respective shoe in position on said track, gear means for rotating said pair of arms for each shoe, and externally exposed manually operable means for imparting rotation to said gear means.

2. Amusement apparatus comprising a tablelike member, a track secured beneath said table like member, a shoe movable along said track, means for propelling said shoe comprisin a pair of jointed arms, means including a tension spring for the pair of arms for maintaining the shoe in position on said track, gear means for rotating said pair of arms and externally exposed manually operable means for imparting rotation to said gear means.

3. Apparatus for the display of skill comprising a table-like member, a pair of vehicles movable over said table-like member, means to impart movement to said vehicles comprising a pair of shoe members, one for each vehicle, a track member having the path of a closed curve beneath said table-like member for guiding said shoe members, means for providing magnetic coupling between each shoe member and its respective vehicle, a bearing post located within the confines of said track member, a sleeve member journaied on said bearing post,,a gear secured to said sleeve member adjacent one end thereof, an arm member secured to said sleeve member adjacent to the other end thereof, a lever member connectin one of said hoe members to said arm, a second gear member journaled on said sleeve, a second arm member secured to said second gear member, a second lever pivotally connected to said second arm and to said other shoe member, a shaft provided with a pinion, said pinion being in mesh with said first named gear, a second shaft provided with a pinion, said second pinion being in mesh with said second gear, and a crank on the end of each shaft, said cranks being exposed beyond the limits of said table member.

RUSSELL L. ROBINS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 259,327 Maxfield June 13, 1882 339,443 Marean Apr. 6, 1886 588,988 Harrington 1 Aug. 31, 1897 1,171,972 Myers Feb. 15, 1916 1,497,382 Rollason June 10, 1924 1,533,540 Craigen Apr. 14, 1925 1,553,895 Garcia Sept. 15, 1925 1,702,291 Babbitt Feb. 19, 1929 2,103,447 Carl Dec. 28, 1937 2,133,194 Horn Oct. 11, 1938 2,188,619 Bernhardt Jan. 30, 1940' 2,239,395 Mallory Apr. 22, 1941 2,254,967 Larkins Sept. 2, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 650,499 France Sept. 24, 1928 

